The microelements content in the eroded carbonatic chernozem from central area of Moldova

Abstract

The chernozems carbonatic eroded on the territory of the Republic of Moldova occupy the area of 294 thousand ha (44.2% of the total area). These soils are most vulnerable to erosion processes in all chernozem subtypes. Loss of macro- and micro-nutrients on agricultural land is significant and has become an important issue for agricultural production. The results of Mn, Co, Zn, Cu, Ni determination (atomic absorption spectrophotometer) in the arable layer of eroded chernozem revealed that water erosion influences their distribution in soils. The average content in the non eroded carbonatic chernozem is: Mn - 654, Cu - 32, Co - 14, Zn - 38, Ni - 40 mg/kg. With increases of erosion degree, the total content of Cu, Zn, Co and Mn decreases in the range of 3-35%, the Ni content increases, from 6% to 78% compared to the non eroded soil. The losses of microelements in the heavily eroded carbonatic chernozem were: Cu - 35%, Zn - 31%, Mn - 27% compared to non eroded soil. The Mn, Zn, Co and Ni content in the eroded carbonatic chernozem is higher than the average quantity for carbonatic chernozems, and the Cu content is lower.